How Long for Sod Lines to Disappear?

Sod is a cost-effective, go-to solution if you’re looking to give more life to a bare patch of outdoor space. Using pre-grown grass offers a ton of benefits, not only to your landscaping solutions but also in preventing wider issues such as preventing soil erosion. It could also increase your property’s market value.

After freshly laying sod, it is quite normal to encounter visible lines between the sod whilst it knits together. These may not be visually pleasing, especially if a quick fix was what was promised. It’s possible to have a lush lawn in a relatively short space of time but sod still needs time to mature and settle.

Fear not, as there are some things you can do to cover up the lines. Read on and I’ll answer questions like how long for sod lines to disappear and how to get rid of them.

how long does it take for sod lines to disappear

How Do You Get Rid Of Lines In Sod?

While sod can transform your outdoor area, the lines in between can be quite irritating. To get rid of them, you can add grass seeds in the gaps, top-dress the gaps, or use leftover sod to patch them.

The main reason sod in your lawn may have visible gaps or lines is that its roots have not yet fully developed.

Usually, it takes between 4 to 6 weeks for the roots to fully establish themselves in the soil. However, it can take less than 3 weeks if the sod is correctly installed.

The lines disappear once the roots are well-developed, leaving you with an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. With that being said, here are the detailed ways in which you can speed up the process.

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Top-dressing

Top-dressing is an excellent way to get rid of gaps between sod. Doing so will encourage grass to grow in those spaces, making your lawn or yard look more uniform.

Apart from getting rid of the lines in your sod, top-dressing offers a plethora of benefits to your outdoor space. These include:

  • Improving your soil’s water holding capacity
  • Reducing thatch in your lawn or yard
  • Minimizing the need for fertilizing your outdoor area
  • Improving your soil’s structure

All you have to do is add your top-dressing material along the lines where the pieces of sod join. Then, press it with your hand, shovel, or foot (remember to be gentle). After that, water those areas regularly, and the natural grass will grow eventually.

There are many top-dressing material options available. Most people prefer using soil from the same area as the sod since it has the same structure as the underlying soil.

It is also recommendable to use compost as you will also be fertilizing your sod. Sand is another excellent top-dressing material. However, you should mix it with clay soil to improve its water-holding capacity.

Adding Grass Seeds To Gaps

Another way to reduce seams in your sod is by adding grass seeds. By doing so, the grass will grow and cover up those irritating lines in the sod.

You should use the same type of seeds as your sod grass. Ensure that you follow the seed’s planting and watering instructions for it to thrive.

Patching

This is, no doubt, the best way to get rid of gaps in your sod instantly. You can use the leftover sod pieces from the installation. If you do not have extra pieces, you can purchase some.

To patch up these gaps, you first have to cut the sod pieces to the same size as those lines. Then, add a little bit of compost in the seams and press these sod patches into place. Remember to water the grass regularly to enable its roots to extend into the ground and eventually cover up the lines.

How Long Does It Take for Sod Lines To Disappear?

It takes at least 3 weeks for the gaps between fresh sod to disappear. Let’s look at some of the activities you should or shouldn’t do during this period.

How Long To Stay Off New Sod

Most people prefer waiting 3 weeks to begin walking on their new sod. But it may take longer depending on the establishment of its rooting system. The aim is to allow the sod’s roots to establish themselves into the ground fully.

So how do you tell whether sod grass roots have developed properly? To determine whether the sod grass roots have grown into the soil, gently pull up one corner of a sod piece. If you notice that there’s little to no resistance, then you will have to keep off for longer.

How Long Should I Keep My Dog Off New Sod?

I recommend keeping your dog off your new sod for 3 to 6 weeks, depending on whether its roots have grown.

Since the sod’s roots are still short a week or two after installation, they can easily be damaged by your dog’s urine. The topsoil may not break down the salts and nitrogen from the pee, and too much nitrogen build-up may kill the sod grass or cause it to turn yellow.

What Do I Do If Sod Doesn’t Take Root?

First, identify the sections where the sod isn’t taking root. Then, roll them up and put some compost into the ground. After that, fluff up the soil and re-lay the sod.

Is It Normal for Sod To Yellow?

No. If you notice that your sod has yellow patches, there may be something wrong with it. There are several reasons why sod may begin to turn yellow. One of them is too much water.

Sod requires regular watering during the first few days after installation to enable its roots to grow deeper into the soil. However, it is essential to be careful not to overwater it, as it may cause the roots to rot, making your sod turn yellow.

Dog urine may also cause the sod to turn yellow due it its high salt and nitrogen content. Sod may also begin to turn yellow if you have installed it near trees. This is because mature trees may absorb all the nutrients in the soil, making it difficult for the sod to thrive.

Will Yellow Sod Turn Green Again?

Yes, yellow sod can turn green again. But before you rush to revive your new grass, it is crucial first to identify why the sod turned yellow in the first place. Doing so will enable you to find the perfect remedy for the problem.

How Often Do You Need To Water Sod?

Normally, new sod needs to be watered for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day for the first 7 to 10 days after installation. During the second week, you can reduce the watering to once a day. After 3 weeks, you may water it every other day for 7 to 10 days consecutively.

After 4 weeks, when the roots have grown fully, you can reduce watering to once or twice per week.

Can You Water Sod Too Much?

Be careful not to overwater your new sod because the water might reduce the supply of oxygen and other nutrients in the soil, causing it to turn yellow.

How Do You Know If Sod Is Overwatered?

The best way to tell if sod is overwatered is by feeling it with your hands. Sod that has enough water should feel damp. If your sod grass feels heavy, then you might have overwatered it.

You can also check its color. If it has a grayish-green color, then it may have too much water.

Should I Put Starter Fertilizer On New Sod?

Yes, I recommend using a liquid lawn fertilizer that is specially designed for new sod and is known as a starter fertilizer. Unlike regular fertilizer, it helps sod establish its roots quickly.

My first choice of starter fertilizer is Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food. Its 29% ratio of nitrogen and specially designed ‘greening agent’ will help your lawn appear thicker and more vibrant in no time.

Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food

What’s more, due to its high amount of potassium, your sod grass will grow in a rich soil environment, making it thrive during the first few days after installation. Starter fertilizer also contains quick-release nitrogen, enabling the sod to receive enough nitrogen for better growth.

Final Thoughts On Lines In Sod

While sod may be slightly more costly than planting grass seeds in your outdoor area, its many advantages definitely give it an edge over other lawn planting options. I recommend choosing sod grass that adapts well to your area’s climate and soil conditions to make it easier for you to take care of it.

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